Ok, first real post other than introductions. Love the forum and the information on here.
Let me preface this: I have a 6920, LMT MRP and an LMT SBR so I love quality and know what it is.
I purchased some stripped lowers that I have built up now for my kids to have when they turn 18. I want a decent upper for them with chrome lining, F marked front sight, 1/7 twist and M4 ramps. I dont want something expensive but if $100-$200 per upper will get me a lot better value then I will do that for sure. I am getting 4 at the same time, just standard HG’s etc.
I have 4 LMT BCG’s and Tactical Charging handles from LMT as well so I just want a decent upper and Im not concerned as much with “spec” as long as its got a good rep as a plinker.
I was looking at DSA, PSA, M&A and a couple others. Any good advice and experience?
I think it’s hard to beat the uppers, for the price, at PSA. Ive got a couple and really like the quality for the price. If you wanted to spend a little more defiantly go with BCM.
Out of what you have listed, a PSA with the CHF barrel (FN manufactured) would be your best option. They have CHF uppers on their madness sales in different configurations (length, profile) quite frequently for $300 ish.
It’s no BCM or Colt but the barrels are FN’s which are good quality. BCM standard upper groups are $440 which is also a bargain and will have higher resale value and all of Pauls stuff is top quality through and through.
I have put 2000+ rounds through a complete upper with this Gen 1 upper receiver:
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1434
-As of now they are out of stock.
Absolutely no problems. Ate through Tula Ammo and Wolf like candy. (The complete upper that I got came with a Daniel Defense 16" barrel. They no longer carry the complete upper, but it speaks to their quality control.)
I think this PSA upper is a great buy for $319. If you don’t want a 16" carbine upper, I would keep checking their website because they are running sales right now and the items are changing daily.
Great advice. I was leaning more towards the PSA as well, $300 is hard to beat for the price from what I see. Although, the BCM isnt much more, $560 among the 4 of them and I would have top notch stuff still for “back-ups”
BCM vs PSA is a tough call. Pure specification wise their uppers are very close. I think BCM has tighter quality control and some of the more unique upper configurations like a 14.5 midlength are probably better vetted out and tested but for a basic configuration like a 16’ carbine or midlength or 20" rifle I think PSA is very hard to beat value wise.
I think the BCM is a better hard use rifle and would be my pick over a PSA if I ever had to go back overseas but for what you are looking for I think you will be well served with the PSA and you can buy 4 PSA uppers for the price of 3 BCMs.
Forged lowers: Forging? machined by Aero Precision Inc sorry no web site
Forged Uppers: Anchor Harvey Aluminum Forging/splintered A (used by Colt etc) more than likely machined by Aero Precision http://www.anchorharvey.com/?
The kids will turn 18 and you’ll have to hear them say, “Geez Dad, we thought you would have used BCM, Colt, DD, LMT, or maybe even Noveske. Don’t get us wrong, these are nice. Just sayin.” Kids, you gotta love’em!
That is perfect, I was looking for exactly this. I have three hard use rifles now. I use them for training and my go to, when I find a reserve patrol spot one will ride with me as well. But these will be plinkers for the most part.
Here’s another option that is tough to beat for price/quality. The downside is you will have extra charging handles and BCGs (to keep or sell). It is an AIM surplus upper with midlength 16" lightweight Daniel Defense hammer forged barrel, MOE handguards, etc.
It is going for $500 (free shipping), so install your LMT parts and sell the others and you should be sitting pretty with a complete upper with DD barrel and magpul handguards for $500 or less (the NiB BCG should sell quick on TOS). Ends up being a little work, but I just throw it out as an alternative to the PSA option . . .
My 16 y.o. son is running a PSA midlength CHF 16" upper on an Aero Precision lower with a DD lpk and BCM bcg. The upper has been reliable and accurate. No overgassing issues that we can see, runs just fine on a carbine buffer.
I was about to mention this; it’s the best value for a quality budget upper right now. You’d have a hard time buying the parts for the asking price. The BCG alone could easily sell for $150+ if you didn’t need it.
Damn, that aimsurplus upper looks nice. My buddy just grabbed one of the HF uppers from PSA looking to do a budget build, but that upper is definitely cheaper.
Edit: I emailed them and they’re out of stock, so I don’t feel as bad for not know about this when he bought his PSA.
